Poetry Anthology

Paradise

I'm surrounded by the brightest of yellows, whites, lavenders, pale pinks and greens.
The flowers visceral, sunlight dancing on petals and deep green leaves. My feet draw in the rich dark soil beneath them and my fingers weave they're way between the soft textures of a variety of blossom. I breathe in, deeply, fresh healthy air. No panic attacks. I don't struggle with breathing here... it's natural, everything about this place is. My yellow floral sundress is caught in the slight breeze. Birds chirp out in the distance and, I ,I'm singing, hands raised while I dance to the rhythm of joy. I laugh, a carefree laugh...I'm elated. Sunkissed. One with the earth. Alive.

A pair of butterflies circle each other, tease each other... I'm in paradise. I'm free here from fear, disappointment and pain. Here I don't hate the world... here I don't even hate myself. Here I'm utterly elated. Further down is a sparkling spring pond. I dip my feet in and scoop handfuls of water and bring it over my head, arms raised. Water falls over my hair and my face, some droplets dribble through my fingers and down my arm, the water cool on my skin. While my dress floats freely in the water. It cleaned me - of all my impurities, all the pollution, my dark thoughts.

This place, the one that encapsulates me, fills me. This place that surrounds me warms all my cold, thaws me out thoroughly and revives my soul. It brings me healing even hope. Not a common trait of mine... It's unbelievable, wonderful! Here one might even imagine love, real love. If it exists, here, is where I'd want it to find me.

This place, this haven.

My paradise.

-M